Central London hotel for a special Christmas

[pattihews]

I've been asked if I can suggest a good London hotel where a friend's mother can spend a few days celebrating with old friends of hers over Christmas. My friend and her mother are based up north, the mother's friends are in Devon and they're meeting halfway. My guess is that they are all what you might call spry 70s.

The fantasy is a nice, friendly, warm, 'special' hotel in a central location that'll allow them to walk to museums, theatres, parks etc and admire the lights and atmosphere. They are thinking of arriving 23rd, departing 28th — train strikes etc permitting. They will consider Christmas lunch in-house but are quite excited at the thought of finding a Chinese or Indian alternative.

I'm a bit of a fan of Firmdale Hotels and suggested Charlotte Street but I think perhaps it's a little quirkier than they had in mind and possibly a bit too expensive for the mother on her own. Any thoughts?

I've found the answer: the Kimpton Fitzroy. 5, very reasonable rooms and a lovely Christmas lunch at a third of the price of other 5 hotels. The whole five-night package including double room, breakfast and a good Christmas lunch comes in at a smidge over £2,300 and the hotel has lovely public spaces but not too 'boutique' or scarily modern.

Glad you found somewhere. I was going to suggest Ham Yard but if in pursuit of a cheaper option montague on the gardens is suitably old fashioned and service tends to be good.

your option sounds like a bargain for five nights!

I know: I alerted them late last night because I couldn't believe the prices — around £400pn for a large double with breakfast on Russell Square, metres from the tube and with buses passing the door. Easy walking to and from the west end, where they are planning to find theatre tickets for the 23rd and 24th. They've all booked this morning and are alerting others they know who might be interested in joining them.

It's making me think about a family get-together in a hotel for next year. It would certainly make a change from all the cooking and cleaning up and being squashed in together.

The Ritz is lovely if it's within your budget.

It's not.

Hilton Canary Wharf is amazing.

No central. They're there over Christmas, they want to be able to walk to lots of places.

This is the solution: £375 a night, full Christmas lunch for £125.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186338-d193051-Reviews-Kimpton_Fitzroy_London-London_England.html